Scope and Summary: Scope and Summary of the Position
The Controller provides strategic financial leadership and oversight for the financial operations of Siena Catholic Schools of Racine, ensuring the long-term financial health, stability, accountability, and sustainability of the school system. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team and a key advisor to the President, the Controller provides financial analysis, insight, and recommendations that support sound decision-making and advance Siena's strategic priorities.
The Controller has system-wide responsibility for accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, cash flow management, financial forecasting, internal controls, audit and regulatory compliance, and financial risk management across Siena Catholic Schools of Racine. The role ensures that financial systems, policies, processes, and reporting are accurate, efficient, transparent, and aligned with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), regulatory requirements, and the governance expectations of Siena Catholic Schools.
Working closely with the President, Senior Leadership Team, Principals, and Finance Committee, the Controller translates financial data into meaningful information that supports strategic planning, resource allocation, operational decisions, and long-term financial sustainability. The Controller leads the annual budgeting process, develops financial projections and models, monitors financial performance and key performance indicators, identifies financial opportunities and risks, and provides timely recommendations when adjustments or corrective action are needed.
The Controller serves as a key financial resource to the Finance Committee and is responsible for ensuring that the Committee receives accurate, timely, and relevant financial information to support its oversight, consultation, and approval responsibilities. The Controller coordinates the monthly financial review process and works collaboratively with Committee members, the President, and other leaders to address significant financial matters and maintain strong fiscal accountability.
The Controller also provides leadership and oversight in establishing clear expectations, internal controls, processes, and accountability measures. The Controller ensures the integrity and accuracy of financial records and reporting and supports a culture of continuous improvement, efficiency, and responsible stewardship of Siena's resources.
As a system-wide leader, the Controller builds strong working relationships across all seven schools, administrative offices, parishes, financial institutions, auditors, government agencies, and other external partners. The Controller communicates complex financial information clearly to a variety of audiences and serves as a trusted financial advisor to leadership and governance bodies.
Ultimately, the Controller is responsible for ensuring that Siena Catholic Schools of Racine has the financial information, systems, controls, and leadership necessary to make informed decisions, fulfill its fiduciary responsibilities, meet regulatory and audit requirements, and sustain its Catholic educational mission for the future.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Accounting and Audit
- Manages overall accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting systems, policies and procedures, which will provide effective control and satisfy the informational requirements of the President and Budget Managers, Principals, Boards, Committees, independent auditors, and government agencies.
- Analyzes data/ project trends and creates reports and presentations interpreting the results of financial operations for the President, Senior Leadership, Principals, Board of Directors, Board of Trustees, and Finance Committee.
- Manages, directs, and participates in the evaluation and the development of appropriate accounting software programs and updates to assure clarity, completeness of reports, and efficiency of input/output.
- Monitors all staff utilizing the budgeting software(s) through routine check-ins with budget managers and accounting staff.
- Oversees the accurate and consistent recording and reporting of financial and accounting data processed by the Staff Accountant, Accounting Analyst, Director of Admissions & Financial Aid, etc.
- Develops and implements financial policies.
- Critically evaluates and advises on relevant accounting standards, regulations, and reporting frameworks.
- Enhances efficiency of accounting functions and ensures all aspects of the financial compliance, reporting, and accounting process are on track.
- Responsible for all aspects of financial audits. Performs financial risk assessments and internal audits.
- Coordinates public accounting firm's audits and filings for Wisconsin School Choice Department of Public Instruction reporting, including Enrollment and Internal Policy and Control Audit and ensures all deadlines for Wisconsin School Choice are met as pertaining to financial reporting throughout the year.
- Responsible for key state and federal program reporting & compliance including USDA Food service programs.
Budget and Financial Reports
- Develops and maintains dashboards with key performance indicators (KPIs) for President, Leadership Team, Principals, Board of Directors, Board of Trustees, and Finance Committee.
- Oversees annual budgeting process by:
- developing assumptions;
- assisting instructional and administrative departments by providing forms, assumptions, projections, and consultations;
- assisting in generating projections for cash flow, income and expense accounts;
- coordinating capital expenditures;
- assisting in developing recommendations for tuition and fee scale;
- assisting in developing recommendations for salary, benefit ranges and scales;
- supporting budget managers by meeting quarterly and reviewing all budgets and practices for alignment to the financial policies of the system.
- Presents relevant budget and actual trends and deviations to the President, Principals, Boards and Committees with observations and recommendations via demonstrative graphics/charts on a routine basis. Recommends innovative ways to solve budgeting and capital improvement constraints, and identify high risks.
- Works with the schools' senior leadership/management team, and Director of Admissions, Development, Enrollment & Financial Aid to identify viable enrollment goals at the beginning of each fiscal year.
- Works with the Director of Human Resources to complete annual and ongoing compensation and benefit analysis including 403(b) plan management.
- Directs the preparation of appropriate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for Departments, President, Principals, Boards, and Committees.
- Monthly, analyzes and compares financial performance of operations with operating plans and budgets; reports and interprets the financial results of operations; reports significant trends, policies and strategies that will enhance overall accountability and operating efficiency.
- Directs and assists staff in creating monthly checklists for the complete monthly/annual close process and desk instructions for succession planning.
- Creates proformas representing projections for up to 4-5 years in the future and shares with the President, Boards, and Committees on a routine basis.
Building Relationships:
- Synthesizes relevant financial information from all seven schools plus administrative offices and communicates progress regularly to key stakeholders, including senior administration, staff, and the Siena Catholic Schools of Racine Board of Directors and Board of Trustees.
- Acts as key leader of the Finance Committee, coordinating monthly agendas and collaborating with Committee members to review for relevant financial reports and information, receiving consultation, feedback and/or approval from the Finance Committee promptly.
- Serves as a public spokesperson for Siena Catholic Schools of Racine at school events, fundraising functions, principal meetings, Siena leadership meetings, parish functions, community meetings, etc.
- Acts as a member of our school system's leadership team, responsible for managing our accounting functions, as well as budget preparation, financial reporting, fiscal compliance, cash flow, and overseeing the Finance department staff.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree or greater in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration. MBA preferred
- Certification in Public or Management Accounting (CPA or CMA)
- Administration of School Choice Wisconsin program or other similar state parental choice program and/or school accounting experience preferred
- 10+ years in a role within an accounting function with 5+ years in a management/leadership position
- Familiarity with Accounting Systems, including a strong knowledge of Blackbaud FENXT
- Strong communication skills
- Excellent analytical abilities, robust knowledge of governance, risk, and controls
- Experience developing positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders
- Broad knowledge of cash flow forecasting, long-term financial planning skills, and financial modeling with a focus on accounting policies and procedures
- Banking experience desired, including loans, deposits, CDs, and other processes/best practices
- Ability to find innovative ways to solve budgeting and capital improvement constraints, and identify high risks
- Experience with lease accounting software preferred
- Experience managing grants, foundation funding, and other revenue sources outside of the budget strongly preferred
- Public/nonprofit sector experience
- Practicing Catholic strongly preferred
- Preferred: Experience in school (public and/or private sector)
- Preferred: Experience with WI Choice Funding
Physical Requirements (The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)
- Communicate verbally; audible speech and good hearing and eyesight
- Read/interpret digital and paper documents
- Physical dexterity to operate computer and other equipment
- Prolonged sitting (50% or more)
- Walking up and down stairs and on uneven surfaces
- Occasionally lifting (from ground and also overhead) and carrying up to 20 pounds
Work Relationships & Scope
Reports to President. Supervises Accounting Analyst, Staff Accountant, and Payroll Accountant. Manages an annual budget of approximately $20M.
Work Environment (The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)
Work is performed in an indoor office environment with travel to regular outside-the-office meetings and events. May be exposed to heat, cold, wetness, and high humidity when traveling to, or at, events. Work hours are somewhat flexible and include some evenings and weekends. Ability to work longer hours, as needed.
Acknowledgement
This job description outlines the general nature and level of work required of any employee assigned to this position. It does not intend to imply these are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to the job. The employee may be required to perform other job-related duties, as requested by the position's manager(s), the President and/or Board of Directors. All is subject to change and possible modification to address changing business conditions and reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.
